Japan factory output climbs in June, as inflation stalls

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported Monday that factory production in June rose 4.9 percent over a year earlier and 1.6 percent from the month before.

Consumer demand in the world's No. 3 economy picked up in June with the payment of half-yearly bonuses.

Labor conditions were tight, with the number of job offers to applicants at a 43-year high of 1.51. But inflation, which was reported earlier, remained flat.

The relatively upbeat data are a rare piece of good news for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration as it weathers a dip in public approval ratings amid allegations over cronyism and abuse of influence.